One Big Family Christmas

One of my favorite times of year is getting together with my big family.  My dad comes from a family of eight children and there are eighteen of us grands!  I have lost count of the greats.  This was our first year getting together without my grandmother.  She was very missed and it would have warmed her heart to know many of us still met together to celebrate Christmas this year.  I remember her saying she didn't want us to stop getting together after she passed.  My heart aches to see her again. 

Jennifer, Abbi, Grace, and Jude!

Jen and Alan swear they are the "outsiders" and are always huddled in a corner together during our get togethers.  This is NOT true!  My Jenny is the most outgoing person I know so she is definitely mingling with others and Alan, well who doesn't love his smile?

Jenny and Cali

Sadie and Rylie are growing up so fast!

Our oldest cousin Jennifer is a special person!  She read the story of Jesus and his birth.  During certain points of the story she had her oldest daughter, Abbi, light a candle.  Everyone enjoyed the story.

 After she finished she asked if any of the kids wanted to pray.  Cami and Sadie both jumped at the chance to praise Jesus.

Landry was given three puzzles. Each had 27 pieces!  It made her smile so we will put it up until she is four and can actually attempt putting the pieces together.  She will be excited all over again!

 The traditional brother/sister picture.  Aunt Rowena and Uncle Greg couldn't make it this year.  They were very missed!

We were missing a lot of people in this picture.  Yes, I said missing people!  There are a lot of us and I wish we could get together more often! It is always fun seeing everyone.

My baby sisters!

Sarah-Beth will be having her baby December 19, if not before.  Our grandmother passed away on December 19 last year.  SB was a little afraid of having her c-section on that day, but our grandmother loved babies.  No matter what the circumstances were, she loved babies.  I believe she would want the baby to be born on that day, because Memommy wants us rejoicing and when she saw a baby that woman's face LIT up!  I wish she could meet Brady and my new baby, Briley.  She always wanted to see me have a baby.  She lived to see it with Landry and almost a year after Memommy was taken home, I'll be having another baby.  She would cry tears of joy all over again.   

This man is a blessing!

My sweet baby girl!  She is growing so quickly and she makes life so sweet!  Each time I look at her, I am reminded of God's love.